Autoblog

And so, this is how it ends. The final Super Godzilla Specification R34 GT-R (a.k.a. the Z-tune) has finished its run. Initially intended to be a 20-car series, NISMO issued a press release last week announcing that in addition to the two cars finished in "NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune Proto" trim, a smaller-than-intended group of cars was completed at the final customer Z-tune level due to difficulties finding appropriate R34 GT-R source vehicles. As such, the final run of Z-tunes, including the two prototypes, was limited to a grand total of 19.

Most remained in Japan, but a handful were exported (NISMO mentions Australia specifically), and the final deliveries are scheduled to take place in the immediate future (if they haven't already happened). This effectively closes the book on the R34, which is revered the world over by enthusiasts (and Gran Turismo players) of every stripe.

The next GT-R drops the Skyline moniker entirely, becoming a separate car in Nissan's lineup, and we'll finally see the finished product in Tokyo later this year. In the meantime, NISMO's keeping busy with a new hotted-up Z-car, and we have a feeling that they'll cook up something really tasty when the 2009 GT-R finally hits the scene.

Until then, follow the jump for a YouTube oldie-but-goodie, showing one of the two Z-tune Protos lapping the 'Ring at ludicrous speed. Long live the R34 GT-R!

[Sources: NISMO, YouTube]

For those following the development of Volkswagen's hottest of hot hatches, it's common knowledge that the automaker has been hard at work adapting the engine from the R36 Passat to fit within the confines of the new Golf. Hans Lehmann and his clandestine photogs were able to catch this new breed of hatch undergoing cold weather testing, but according to the shooters, those R32 badges on the deck lid don't tell the truth about what lies beneath.

The Golf R36 prototype benefits from the aforementioned engine upgrade, producing power somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 HP and sending it to all four wheels via a DSG gearbox. Although the exterior hasn't benefited from any extensive modifications, those gaping air intakes in the front fascia certainly speak to the R36's sporting creds.

If we ever see this thing Stateside, we hope that those roof-mounted driving lamps are offered as a factory accessory.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Click the image above for more pics of the DigitalChip R34 Skyline GT-R.

During our time in the grand metropolis of Geneva, we had every intention of spending some quality time at the tuner expo adjacent to the main halls. But with all that was going on, time was limited, and aside from the R8-ified TT and those kick ass chairs that our friend Paukert found, there wasn't too much of interest. Then we came across this.

Luc-Michel Faichaud didn't think that the stock RB in his Skyline R34 GT-R would keep up with the rigors of track duty at the power levels he wanted to produce, so he yanked the stock mill and replaced it with a 6.7L V12. And then – just for kicks – bolted on four turbos. The result: 1000+ HP, 1000 NM of torque, a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a quarter mile trap speed at the low end of nine seconds. Complete with carbon-ceramic brakes (381mm front, 355mm rear), 13x18-inch wheels and weighing a paltry 2,200 pounds, the GTR "Unlimited" can reach a maximum speed of 220 MPH and seems to be the highlight of several shows and tuner magazines abroad.

Unfortunately, we were on our way out the door when we snapped these few pics, so no one was on hand to answer questions or pop the hood. UPDATE: But, Mr. Faichaud did contact us with some additional information about the car, which we've added to the post. We would've given our last franc just to sit in the driver's seat, but alas, time wasn't on our side. Frankfurt's coming up at the end of the year, so maybe we'll have a second chance to see the "Unlimited" up close again.

That was one driver's summation after a run around the track in an R34 Skyline GT-R tuned by Mine's, and with good reason. The Mine's GT-R is a complete monster whose performance shocked even the two test drivers. They were positively giddy behind the wheel, in utter disbelief at the ferocious power their right feet unleashed. This one's an aural delight, too, as the techno-symphony emitted by the car is part banshee, part racing car, part jet plane, and all awesome.

Oh, we can't wait until the next GT-R finally washes up on US shores...

[Source: YouTube]

In celebration of the Nissan R35 GT-R spy shots that surfaced today, we wanted to take a look back at the king of the Skylines, the Nismo R34 GT-R Z-Tune. For the uninitiated, in 2005 Nissan wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their legendary coupe and decided to make 20 special edition versions of the R34. At that point, the R34 had been out of production since 2003, so Nissan went into the used car market, hand-picked 20 pristine examples of R34-goodness, all with less than 20k on the clock, stripped them down to bare metal and performed every manner of chassis, suspension and engine tweakery known to man.

The video above examines the results, as tested at the Nurburgring by our favorite eccentric Japanese racers at Best Motoring. A full article about the R34 Z-Tune can be found here, with a detailed technical analysis and lots of pretty pictures.